Carl Fogarty - or Foggy, to his fans - is the most successful superbike racer ever. In 1998, he was given an MBE for his services to motorcycle racing and in 2014, he won the 14th series of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!

Now 49, he lives in Blackburn, with his wife Michaela and their two children, aged 23 and 20.

We got hold of him to talk money:

What was your biggest money mistake?

About 18 years ago, I invested £100,000 in a friend’s manufacturing company. It was a gamble, and my financial adviser told me it was a big risk, but I didn’t listen to him - and the company went bust.

What was your smartest money move?

Getting a financial adviser when I was about 25 years old. I’ve been with the same guy for the past 25 years. I wouldn’t have known what to do with my money otherwise - and listening to him and doing what he said is paying dividends now. I trust him, and he gives me good advice. People reading this should go and do the same thing!

Carl Fogarty at his home near Blackburn in August 2000

Best money advice that you’ve ever been given?

“Don’t spend it. Save it.” My dad used to say that to me and I think I’ve followed his advice. When others were getting flash cars, I didn’t really do that. I was cautious. I looked ahead and thought to myself: You don’t know how long this [job] racing bikes is going to last for. I think I was pretty good to be honest - some might say a bit tight!

What's your top money-saving tip?

Shop around for a right good deal. That’s what I do to save money. For example, if I’m getting some work done on my house, I’ll get three or four prices in - and whatever I do, I always get a deal. I’m pretty good at negotiating.

How much of a discount do you typically manage to negotiate?

15%, usually. I don’t shop around for everything, but I’m careful when it comes to big purchases, like buying a car or a motorcycle. I’ll also make sure I get a discount on clothes, or I’ll even get clothes for free because of my current fame. For example, Dainese [motorcycle clothes], Oakley glasses and Mancini [menswear] give me clothes for free.

Carl's been wearing Oakley glasses for years

How much money do you usually take out of the cash machine?

I take two hundred quid out normally, I guess, but not every day. Not even every week.

I tend to use my cards more, and save the cash in my pocket for whenever I need to use cash. I prefer using cards, partly for the convenience and partly because I get air-miles when I spend on my credit card, which I use to go on holiday.

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How much do you normally take out of the cash machine?

1000+ VOTES SO FAR

Roughly what percentage of your income do you spend and what percentage do you save?

I’ve got no idea. I don’t spend anything, me - my wife spends it all on food and clothing and the upkeep of the house! I don’t splash out much. I pay my taxes and I seem to save the majority of what’s left. I need to start spending a bit more, to be honest.

Carl Fogarty with his wife Mikalea

What makes you say that?

It’s just built inside me not to be flash in anyway. There’s something inside me that won’t let me waste money, I don’t know where it’s come from. Maybe because I’m doing one of the hardest sports in the world, risking my life - I just don’t want to throw my money away, especially on somebody’s who’s done very little to sell me something. It’s a bit strange, really. It could be down to my dad saying “save, save, save” when I was a child.

What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought (apart from a property)?

My car. It’s an Audi R8. I almost feel embarrassed to drive it because it’s not really me in some way. But Audi is my favourite type of car, and they do Ducati motorcycles, who I race for - so they look after me in the right way. I got it last July, and I got a good deal on it. I don’t want to say how much I paid exactly, but I didn’t pay the full price [of £102, 435]. It was over £50,000 but I got looked after.

Carl Fogarty arrives back from Australia after winning I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (Image: Splash)

Do you give regularly to charities?

Yes, to the NSPCC and local hospices. Mainly I give signed T-shirts, bits of merchandise, signed prints and posters - that kind of thing, to raise money for the charity. I do my bit but I always feel like I don’t do enough. I think it’s important to give to charity. I’m so fortunate in my life, and so are my kids. I want to give to people who are less fortunate than us. The NSPCC has always felt close to my heart because I have kids.

Carl Forgarty is an ambassador for Freedom to Go, a national leisure campaign led by The NCC (National Caravan Council) in partnership with The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravan Club. Through the website Freedomtogo.co.ukit aims to inspire more couples, families and groups of friends to take a UK holiday a caravan, campervan, motorhome or trailer tent.